Where's neutral?.....

[S.A. Baker]

Here's the scenario.... New to me 1975 Bassrunner w/1975 45 Chrysler. Only position the prop spins freely is in full reverse! Cable adusted, neutral switch depressed, shift /throttle lever says N. The engine had been serviced and winterized then stored in previous owners basement until a week ago when it was punted on the boat before I bought it. I'm thinking another dipstick service tech removed the wrong screw when changing the gearbox oil. And no one was the wiser since the owner never used it afterwards! I was a service tech in the powersports industry for 42 yrs. I absolutely abhore the shoddy work I'm seeng from these new guys!....does my gearbox problem sound like this is the case? Steve

 

[Frank Acampora]

Neutral is in the middle! LOL.

Before you go crazy disassembling the gear box try adjusting the shift linkage. Remove the side covers on the leg (6 screws. The shift linkage will be right next to the leg. Remove the shift cable from the engine and adjust the linkage so the neutral point is centered. You will know this because the projection on the plate bolted to the engine will be centered on the neutral interlock switch and the prop will spin freely with no noise of clicking.. Now check that when you move the lever, the lower unit will shift into both forward and reverse. Once the engine is set, put the control handle straight up and see if the quick connect will slip over the ball link for the shift. If it does not, adjust the cable until it does. If none of this works, then it may be that someone monkeyed with the lower unit and you will need to examine it.. OR, the cotter pin is missing from the lower shift rod where it joins the short stub exiting the lower unit (Not sure if the 1975 had this)

 

[S.A. Baker]

Thanks Frank! I was kinda headed that way next...but it's ungodly hot here and I can't take it too long out in the sun in the yard! All else fails.....I'll be fishing the local impoundments that don't allow outboard use....I DID get the trolling motor fixed! Guess I won't make it to the river this year. Biggest problem is all my tools are in a storage unit as we are in a temporary living situation due to having to move! I'm trying to make due with some tools I had in the truck!

 

[S.A. Baker]

No go.....all I have is neutral with the bellcrank all the way to the rear. Only direction I can move it is forward and that's in gear. There are not three distinct positions shifting it by hand....

 

[Frank Acampora]

Remember: Forward gear is down on the shift rod linkage and reverse is UP. SO, the first thing to try is to lengthen the shift rods by adjusting the long hex coupler under the cover. Because it is RH thread on one side and LH thread on the other one way lengthens the rods and the other shortens them. Don't go crazy the shift throw is not a lot and usually a couple of turns will do.. Tools needed are a flat head screw driver, a 7/16 open end, and possibly a 7/16 or 3/8 open end for the lock nut on the bottom of the coupler.

 

[S.A. Baker]

So Frank...even though the bellcrank is in the proper position (neutral switch pushed) the leg linkage can be THAT far off? Also.. When it is in a position where the prop will spin free..the bearings sound really growly when you spin it. Not so good I think?! Thanks for all the help so far! Now if it was a Honda with 2 wheels ....THAT stuff I know!

 

[Frank Acampora]

Yes, if improperly set by an amateur it can be that far off. The total throw is only about 1/2 inch from full forward to full reverse. So, if the linkage was adjusted too long , then full reverse would give neutral and any other position would give forward. On these engines forward is down and reverse is up.

At this point I think it would be a wise idea to remove the lower unit and with the gear case pointing down, pull and push the shift rod. If the wrong screw was removed and the shift yoke is not on its pivot, the gravity will move the dog clutch to the forward gear. No matter what you do to the shift rod, the lower unit will stay in forward gear. Then it is time to disassemble and set everything correctly.

 

[wickware]

No Title

Attached is my 1970 35hp Chrysler?s shift linkage on the leg. From my first challenge centering the linkage, I have always pulled the cotter to drop L/U (knowing it will still be centered correctly). I use a longer helper bolt to hole the L/U position while I work the cotter On or Off.
You also see the shift rod on the L/U to pull/push to get gears or prove the fork in L/U is out of position.
I know the Heat Challenge here in North TX. I?ll hope you get on the Water Soon And Ship Some Fish this way LOL!

 

[wickware]

No Title

That is the same linkage as my 35 HP except my Mag Ignition is all under the Flywheel. Was your Ignition SYS updated or from the Factory. I would say added (looking new) and a + since it charges the Battery. I charge my batt on a charger every 4-5 trips. Please show the Alt if it was add-on.

My messages appear to be split between IE-8 and Chrome. IE-8 will allow me to see a message but not allow me to log-in and reply as in the past.

 

[S.A. Baker]

This engine was just mounted . Was in storage the last year or so. I assume I wold be just awakening a dormant engine....no problem! Can't even try to start it with no neutral,it has the wrong switch,the wiring is a mess...and now this shift issue! At least I've spent enough time on here to now understand the engine wiring, just need a proper switch! I'm gonna just bag this engine project ....not in the mood. I'm having enough problems with all the cobbled undecipherable boat wiring! I just won't go far and use the trolling motor.....which I also had to repair! Thanks for all the help...sounds like a spring project.

 

[S.A. Baker]

One more thought.....as the adjuster coupler is threaded differnt on each end,if you turn it to lengthen the rod, isn't that going to move the bellcrank also so now the neutral switch will be off?

 

[S.A. Baker]

And I'm not what you would consider a "boater". I just like to fish! I wrenched on bikes and Dodges for 42 yrs. I'm now retired and really don't want to anymore!